Pirate's Gold by Lisa Jackson

meticulously avoided being swept up in the Hollywood social tide. It was too fast moving and dangerous for her. She had refused to get involved with any man since Brandon, and now that she was becoming emotionally entangled with Kyle Sterling, she felt twinges of doubt. What did she really know about the man? Business with a man as powerful as Kyle Sterling was one thing, but a one-on-one relationship was quite another.
    Calling herself a fool, she walked up the flagstones leading to the courtyard and tried to bolster her wavering confidence. Don’t let all of this overwhelm you, she cautioned herself. Remember that he’s only a man. Ah, yes, her worried mind tossed back at her, but a man who wants the one thing you have: Festival Productions!
    Maren couldn’t ignore the fact that Kyle wanted very much to own Festival Productions and, for that matter, herself as well. He knew that she was the artistic force behind Festival, and there was no doubt that he would do just about anything in his power to entice Maren into selling him her production company. More than anything, she had to keep a level head while in his company. She couldn’t allow herself the luxury of trusting him completely, because she understood his motives. How much of his affection for her was sincere and how much was just a part of the game? Was his interest in her merely a well-rehearsed act carefully planned to seduce her into selling Festival? She wanted desperately to believe that he really did care for her, but her common sense instructed her to tread warily.
    After stiffening her backbone, she pressed the doorbell and braced herself for another meeting with him. Poise and control were the order of the day. Why then was her pulse racing in anticipation?
    Lydia was gone for the weekend and Kyle had awaited Maren’s arrival impatiently, watching the clock as the slow hours passed and cursing himself for his own impetuosity. Right now, the last thing he needed cluttering his life was an entanglement with Maren McClure. Why then was he so anxious to see her again?
    There was something damnably seductive about that woman. It had captivated him last night and ruined his sleep. He had lain awake for hours, frustrated by urges he hadn’t felt in years. It was as if he were compelled to see her again, forced to confront her. He only hoped that the frustration would soon end; that they would become lovers and his lust for her would be satisfied. It would be better for everyone involved if his fascination for her would die a quick death. A quick affair would serve his purpose. He could convince Maren to sell out Festival to Sterling Recording Company, satisfy his physical needs and then be back on track. It had been a long time since he had been with a woman. Maybe that was his problem.
    The chimes alerted him of Maren’s arrival. Without realizing it, he smiled and the deep furrows of concentration that had lined his brow softened. He opened the door and stared into Maren’s incredible blue eyes. Sunlight filtered through the fronds of the palm tree and caught in the dark strands of her hair, streaking the rich auburn color with fiery bursts of burnished gold.
    Kyle’s smile broadened to touch his eyes as he wedged himself between the heavy door and the wall. “So you made it,” he greeted.
    â€œWere you afraid I wouldn’t find the place, it being so small and all?” she returned, showing off just the hint of a seductive dimple.
    He cocked an appreciative dark brow. “I try to keep things simple,” he responded with a hearty laugh. Moving out of the doorway, he pushed the door open and silently invited her inside. “I’m glad you’re here,” he admitted, with only a trace of reluctance. His knowing gray eyes were warm and tempting. “I assume you’re planning to stay…”
    â€œI don’t think that would be wise.”
    â€œWhy not?”
    It was difficult dissuading